Photo - Grant Myers
--June 29, 2026.
This past weekend, the Quebec Anglophone Heritage Network (QAHN) held its annual heritage volunteer awards ceremony. About 70 people joined the celebration at the historic Maison Saint-Gabriel in Montreal's Pointe-Saint-Charles neighbourhood.
Two of QAHN's awards (the Marion Phelps and Richard Evans awards) are presented to an individual or a group or organization in recognition of their volunteer long-term contributions to the preservation and promotion of Anglophone heritage in the province of Quebec. The third award, the Young Volunteer Award, recognizes a young volunteer and their outstanding contribution to the preservation and promotion of Anglophone heritage in the province of Quebec.
2026 Marion Phelps Award Winner
This year's Marion Phelps Award winner is Sheila Achtell. Sheila is a leading light and longtime volunteer with the Mulgrave & Derry Historical Society in Western Quebec. Sheila was on hand to receive her award in person, along with a respectable delegation from Mulgrave & Derry.
2026 Richard Evans Award Winner
The winner of the 2026 Richard Evans Award is the Baie-des-Chaleurs Military Museum, in New Richmond, Quebec. This Gaspesian museum, located in the former United Church from Oak Bay, showcases the regions strong military tradition. Sandi Beebe, a member of the QAHN board from the Gaspé, accepted the award on the museum's behalf. A special presentation will be held in New Richmond later in the summer.
2026 Young Volunteer Award Winner
And finally, Massimo Di Silvestro was chosen as this year’s recipient of the Young Volunteer Award, which recognizes the contribution of a young, individual volunteeer. Massimo’s volunteer contribution stands out in his guided tours and engagement with visitors at the Vimy Foundation’s Canadian Centre for the Great War. Massimo was present to receive his award, along with several members of his family.
QAHN salutes all of this year's award winners, as well as all of those individuals and groups who were nominated.